Lotus Life – Gratitude

November is here and Thanksgiving, with all its turkey and cobbler is just around the corner. I love the time when gathered with family and friends, and everyone shares what they are grateful for on this day. Because the thing I have come to learn about gratitude is that it’s a practice that needs more attention than just once a year. It’s a habit that can truly transform your world and the way you live. We just have to dedicate a few minutes a day, more if you like, to focusing on it. And allow the power of gratitude to work in our lives.

A year ago I heard Oprah say, that the single greatest thing you can do to change your life today, is to be grateful for what you already have; cultivate an attitude of gratitude. Her advice and the advice from many others is to keep a daily gratitude journal. Each day writing down several things that you are grateful for. Since it was a practice that Oprah uses, I thought I’d give it a go. And I have to say it really does work. I was surprised. It’s not only that more positive things begin to happen to you, but you begin to notice even more things to be grateful for.

Everyone at every moment in time has something to be grateful for. The fact that you are reading this, be grateful you have eyes that can see, the ability to read, and your breathing- you are so alive! In any and every moment no matter what you might be going through there is always something to be grateful for. So I set off and challenged myself to write in my journal every day for a month. Well it’s been over year and I haven’t’ stopped. No, I don’t write every day, but when I do I notice a big difference in my life. Don’t believe me? Give it a try and see for yourself.

Here are some ideas for you to cultivate your own Gratitude practice:

Gratitude Journal- Challenge yourself for one month to write down daily things that made you feel grateful. Even writing down the way they made you feel. Dutch Philosopher Rabbi Baruch Spinoza suggested that each day ask yourself these three questions:

Who or what inspired me today?

What brought me happiness today?

What brought me comfort and deep peace today?

Make a list of at least 5 people who have made an impact in your life. Choose at least one and write them a thank you letter telling them why you are grateful for having them in your life.

Take a gratitude walk- take a walk outside in nature and as you walk think about all the things that you are grateful for. Even as you walk and look around you can be grateful for the trees, the sun shining through them, the wind blowing through your hair. Pay attention to everything that surrounds you and breathe in the gift that you are experiencing.

So on Thanksgiving, when it’s your turn to share,, remember that there is always something to be grateful for. Focus on what’s makes you feel good in your life, and watch as life sends you even more things to celebrate! Life is a gift and I am grateful for being able to be part of it. Happy Thanksgiving SoWal. Gobble Gobble.

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